San Jose monument honors Vietnam War soldiers

United States troops came home from Vietnam 40 years ago and San Jose is marking the occasion by unveiling a new war memorial, honoring local troops.

The San Jose monument was unveiled Saturday at 12 p.m.

It's called Sons of San Jose and will forever salute the 142 men who were born and raised in the Bay Area's largest city and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War.

The monument stands 6 feet tall and is13 feet long.

The names of the fallen soldiers are etched in black granite. It includes the name of one soldier who is still missing in action.

The group behind the monument built it so veterans and families who lost loved ones, will know their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

"The guys who came back from Vietnam War were not recognized the way they are today. So we want to make sure they get that recognition. That people understand that the men who went to fight, the women who went to fight, in that war, did so for their country," said Dennis Fernandez of the San Jose Vietnam Memorial Fund.

Volunteers raised more than $75,000 for the monument.

The ceremony took place at Guadalupe River Park near HP Pavilion.

More than 300 people were expected to attend the ceremony including Mayor Chuck Reed